What is your favorite part about football?: I love making a big hit. Also, I enjoy the camaraderie with teammates on and off the field and winning games.

What do you do to prepare for games?: On game day, I have a pregame ritual that includes eating certain foods for breakfast, checking all my equipment, changing the spikes on my cleats, and getting to school very early to review the plays. I really enjoy the pregame rituals and warmups with my teammates.

What did it mean to be named a captain?: It was extremely important and it was a validation of all my hard work. I feel honored to be given the responsibly to lead my team to a successful season.

As a captain, what will it take to be a leader?: I have to lead by example, work hard and support and motivate all of my teammates.

Who is your team’s best teammate? Why?: All of the captains work hard for the benefit of the team and all are equally deserving of that honor.

Who is the best athlete on your team? Why?: Justin Ciero. He is a great quarterback earning all-section honors as a sophomore. He is also a good varsity basketball player.

Who is your funniest teammate?: Jason Bressler. And he is a great guy to have on the team.

What are your team’s goals for the season?: Our goal is to win sectionals.

What will it take for you to achieve them?: Preseason conditioning and preparation are important. We need to avoid key injuries and stay focused on our goals one game at a time.

After high school, what’s your next step?: I want to play college football for a good academic school.

JOSH THOMSON joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in March 2003 and has covered high school football, basketball, baseball and pro and college sports ever since. He graduated in 1998 from Carmel High School and in 2002 from Boston University with a degree in communications. Josh spends the majority of his free time with his wife and two daughters.